Monday 29 April

Things are really winding down now, and most of the horses going on their holidays. Molly Childers, Queenohearts and Figarella Borget will all head off to The Elms this week. All three mares will go out sound and healthy, and have earned their summers off. MC will return in July, and ply her trade in decent handicap chases next season - we may have another little look at her breathing before she runs again. Queenohearts will be back in August - no decision has been made as plans for next season. She has the option of going chasing - but could also stay over hurdles for the season. Figarella Borget will have a summer to strengthen up, after which she will begin her hurdling career. Classic Ben is already out at The Elms, and he will return a bit later this year, and run in the decent staying handicap chases throughout the winter. Pull Together is still in work at the moment - and may run again within the next month. He has struggled with his health this season, and has been entered in the Doncaster Horses in Training Sales next month, but if he is able to, he may well run again before the sale. The vet is very pleased with Getaway Mixie, and she has progressed very well, she too will head off to The Elms shortly. Our Bubba will remain in controlled exercise on the walker for a little while as he recovers from hs unfortunate bang in Huntingdon. He will remain at Fences Farm and join his friends in the field in a week or two. Go Millie Go is in good form at The Elms and seems 100% again now, she will return to training slightly before the some of the others, as she has had the winter off, and is thought to need better ground, so an autumn campaign would suit her very well. It is always good to hear news of our 'Old Boys', and yesterday word reached us the Sneaking Budge had taken part in a charity race at Edgecote Point to Point - in fact it was a charity ride, with only 2 thoroughbreds taking part, and dear old Budge was the second of those to finish!! Stuart was there and said he looked fantastic, and really enjoyed himself - I am always delighted to know that our old soldiers are having the best of care lavished on them - in whatever discipline they may end up in! Nice to know that Budge is in good hands! Other oldies include - Smart Exit who still lives at Fences Farm, and is going great guns in the eventing sphere with Alice. Omaruru also pops up frequently on my Facebook timeline, and is still with Steph - enjoying her massages! Kikos is a legend in the Old Berks country, and was a finalist at the ROR Hunting event in Aintree earlier this year. Great to see - rehoming the horses after they are done at Fences Farm is a very important part of what we do, and we take it very seriously - we get a lot of help from Stuart, Alice and the rest of the staff at Fences Farm, who always steer us in the right direction as to the suitability of new homes, and we couldn't do it without their help.